Improvement in car-couplings



UN D STATES- PATENT OFFICE,

CHARLES H. BRIGGS, OF BLACK HAWK, COLORADO TERRITORY.

IMPROVEMENT IN CAR-COUPLINGS;

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 174,187, dated February29, 1876; application filed January 15, 1876.

vertically in opening and closing, so that it will fall and coupleself-actingly,'and can be uncoupled from the top of the car or from theside.

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of my improved coupling,and Fig. 2 is a top view.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

A is the link, which I construct with a hookhead, B, on the upper sideof'each end, and for which I contrive the gravity-catch O in thedraw-head behind the hole for the coupling-pin D, thus converting theordinary linkand-pin coupling into a self-coupler, and at the same timehaving it'so that it can be used in either way. to a lever, E, on thetop of the car for uncoupling therefrom, and it may also be connectedwith a lever, 1 for Working it from the side.

I am aware that a gravity-catch has been heretofore used in connectionwith a hookcoupler; but

What I claim. is-

A gravity'catoh, O, hinged on the end of slot in draw-bar and behind theordinary hole for the coupling-pin, as and for the purpose specified.

. CHARLES H. BRIGGS. Witnesses:

ADRIAN MoUsTER, E. O. BEACH.

The hook may be connected-

